My Thoughts on the K-6 Mathematics Resources

      

K-6 Mathematics Resources

     During yesterday's Mathematics class, we were given the opportunity to explore the K-6 Mathematics resources. I had only see bits and parts of these resources before this class. During my observations days, I was able to see some being implemented in the classroom on occasion. Nonetheless, my experience with these resources has been far from extensive, so it was nice to have some time to get all seven levels in my own hands, and check them out for myself.

  

      I was really impressed by the primary resources. I found it neat that they used so many colours, patterns, photos, and illustrations that children could really identify with, and would be interested in. The building of number sense in the primary grades is extremely important. Without adequate number sense, students will be lacking the necessary foundation that they need in order to acquire further mathematics skills. I think that the emphasis on visuals in the primary resources would really help with this. If children visually see "two ears", "two feathers", and so on, as in some of the books that used animal references, they will be continually adding to that picture in their minds of numbers and the various contexts in which they can be used. I also think that presenting mathematics in a real-world context will aid tremendously in fostering problem-solving skills. If a child can solve a problem in one context, but cannot take that same knowledge and apply it a novel situation within the real world, then what is the value in knowing how to solve that initial problem? A huge part of ensuring that children can apply Mathematics in a real-world situation, is it present it this way in the first place. After seeing the language, pictures, and format of the primary resources, I do feel that this has been taken into account.

      As we worked our way up in grade level, the main thing that stuck out to me was the dramatic change in the sophistication of the language used in the resources. After grade two, the language seemed to take a dramatic leap. I do believe that the synthesis of Language Arts and Mathematics is important in fostering a holistic and translatable understanding of numerical concepts. However, I couldn't help but feel a sense of worry and panic for the children whose language skills might be a little behind others. It hardly seems fair that a child could be set up to fall behind in Mathematics as a result of any language deficiencies. I feel that there could be a greater effort to include multiple presentations of the concepts. I'm not suggesting that the use of language be completely halted or diminished, but I am suggesting that the use of visuals be maintained, regardless of the increasing grade level. 

      We would never walk into a classroom with twenty pairs of shoes, all in size 5, expecting all the children to fit into them because they are all the same age. So why then, do we walk into classrooms with resources and outcomes, assuming they will "fit" all children, because they are all the same age? It would be near impossible to create individualized resources for every single student. I am completely aware of this. However, I do feel that the resources that are out there should try and present the concepts in as many ways possible, so as to include more and more types of learners and interests, giving all children the best possible chance at learning. With that being said, the best resource we have as teachers is ourselves. We need to be constantly connected to, and in tune with our students' needs. Regardless of what these resources have to offer, we should not feel limited in our abilities to reach every single child in our class. We are not limited by resources- we are limited by our creativity. So, if Jimmy doesn't seem to be responding to one particular method- toss it! I apologize for the cliche, but "the world is our oyster". Today's technology allows us more information and resources at our fingertips than ever before. It is our responsibility as teachers to get out there, get to know our students, and find a way to make it work. The success of our students depends upon it!

My Thoughts on YouCubed

       During our last Mathematic's class, we were given the opportunity to go to http://www.youcubed.org/ and explore this website and its potential benefits in the classroom.

        As a future teacher, I am always excited to add new resources to my bank of knowledge, in hopes of making the task a little easier in the future. With that being said, not every resource is a good resource. There are some bad ones out there- I know. I've seen my share. So how does YouCubed compare?

        The first thing I discovered about YouCubed is that it is a nonprofit organization, offering free and affordable math resources for both parents and educators. Right away, I see this as being commendable. I think it is so important that Mathematics resources be made accessible for everyone, and that the lines of communication be kept open between educators and parents, so that the children are getting the most of their experiences- at school and at home. As an educator using this resource, all you would need to do in order to share this resource with parents is simply give them the link.

       As I continued to explore the site, I was continually impressed. This entire website functions on the assumption that all children have the potential to be exceptional at Math. Their goal is to make students, educators, and parents realize this. This is a phenomenal and innovative approach towards Mathematics since, I believe, students will only ever achieve what they truly believe they are capable of achieving. We've all been there- Mathematics has been given the rep of a terrifyingly scary subject, that only the "top students" in the class can do well in. The rest of us, well...we just give it a mediocre shot and wait until those others are finished and can help us through. But, what would happen if this myth was completely dispelled, and students began their Mathematics career hopeful and excited for what they could achieve? YouCubed believes the results would be a revolutionized view of Mathematics, with growing numbers of children succeeding. 

     It is clear that YouCubed is on to something. As I watched the video of a group of children working with their techniques, I head them say things like "math is fun", "math is like a game", "math can be like a story"...how often have you ever heard children refer to math in these ways? Throughout the entire video, the children were interacting, smiling, and, believe it or not, laughing. 

     One aspect of the site that I found very intriguing is when they use modern, well-known companies like Google, which I would assume most children are  quite familiar with today, and show how these companies use Mathematics to solve problems everyday. How often does a child think about the Mathematics that is happening behind their everyday searches? What better way to motivate students in math than to give them relevant, modern-day problems that they can relate to? Technology has become such a huge part of children's everyday lives today, that Mathematics being put into this context could certainly be a revolutionary motivator.

     Throughout the remainder of my exploration, I found more and more potential in this site. The are so many games found here that teach everything from fact trees, multiplication, prime numbers, and so much more. Using these games, I feel that my students could begin to see that Math is not scary. Math can be "fun", "like a game", "like a story", and, most importantly- achievable. 

     At the end of the website, YouCubed states that they will be fully operational in a few months. I, for one, cannot wait to see what else YouCubed will have to offer. I will most certainly be implementing this resource in my own classroom someday, and at home with my daughter. So, do yourself, your students, and your own children a gigantic favour, and check YouCubed out!!

Andrea